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Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Oscars — Oscars
#1 Entertainment & Media Event
The Academy Awards are likely to own the top spot in town in perpetuity. The town buzzes with events from the ceremony’s own glittering production at the Hollywood & Highland Center, to the army of related parties it spawns—including bashes for Vanity Fair and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Next: February 24, 2013
Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Golden Globes — Golden Globes
#2 Entertainment & Media Event
Golden Globes, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s opulent dinner ceremony, takes over the International Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton annually. In recent years, Ricky Gervais has served as the party’s controversial host. Next: January 13, 2013
Photo: Dale Wilcox Photography/DWP

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Grammy Awards — Grammy Awards
#3 Entertainment & Media Event
The Recording Academy of Arts & Sciences’ Grammy awards, which it bills as “Music’s Biggest Night,” takes to the Staples Center with Branden Chapman among those overseeing a huge after-party at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Next: February 10, 2013
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Primetime Emmy Awards — Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Primetime Emmy Awards
#4 Entertainment & Media Event
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Primetime Emmy Awards honor TV’s best. The crowd moves from the show to the academy’s splashy annual Governors Ball for about 3,900 guests; the ball is billed as the largest formal dinner in the U.S. Next: September 23, 2012
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Screen Actors Guild Awards — Screen Actors Guild Awards
#5 Entertainment & Media Event
Screen Actors Guild Awards dole out statuettes during a dinner show at the Shrine Exposition Center early each award season. Jeff Margolis Productions, in association with Screen Actors Guild Awards L.L.C., produces. Next: January 27, 2013
Photo: James Sequenzia

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Film Independent’s Spirit Awards — Film Independent’s Spirit Awards
#6 Entertainment & Media Event
Film Independent’s Spirit Awards take over a tent in Santa Monica with a laid-back vibe, having moved back to the beach after a controversial move to L.A. Live. The Oscar-weekend event includes an array of backstage sponsor activations. Next: February 2013
Photo: Joe Scarnici/WireImage, Courtesy of Film Independent

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

BET Awards — BET Awards
#7 Entertainment & Media Event (up from #9)
The BET Awards, which celebrate African-Americans in music, sports, and other entertainment realms, will expand significantly. The 2013 event will include an interactive, multiplatform three-day takeover of the L.A. Live complex after a move from the Shrine, and is being billed as the largest consumer event in BET Networks’ history. Next: June 28-30, 2013
Photo: Davide De Pas

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Environmental Media Association Awards — Environmental Media Association Awards
#8 Entertainment & Media Event
Acknowledging depictions of environmental issues in the media, the Environmental Media Association Awards are in their 22nd year. Recent installments of the eco-friendly show have taken over the Warner Brothers lot, where the show remains this year. Next: September 29, 2012
Photo: Kristian Dowling/AP Images for Environmental Media Association

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

A.F.I. Life Achievement Award — A.F.I. Life Achievement Award
#9 Entertainment & Media Event
The A.F.I. Life Achievement Award went to Shirley MacLaine at a celeb-studded gala and after-party on June 7. It was the milestone 40th installment of the event. Next: June 2013
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty for AFI/Courtesy of the American Film Institute

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

American Music Awards — American Music Awards
#10 Entertainment & Media Event
Last year, the American Music Awards took to the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live on November 20, and Taylor Swift was the big winner. In unsubtle sponsor integration, Jennifer Lopez shared the stage with the Fiat 500, inducing cringes from some. Next: November 18, 2012
Photo: Kevin Winter/AMA2011/Getty Images for AMA

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

A.F.I. Fest — A.F.I. Fest
#11 Entertainment & Media Event
A.F.I. Fest, presented by Audi, kicks off awards season each year, offering films exposure to the entertainment community and providing audiences with a lively atmosphere. Next: November 1-8, 2012
Photo: Doug Gifford/Courtesy of A.F.I.

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Film Independent’s Los Angeles Film Festival — Film Independent’s Los Angeles Film Festival
#12 Entertainment & Media Event (up from #16)
Film Independent’s Los Angeles Film Festival, supported by L.A. Live and The Los Angeles Times, is in its 18th year. This year included a promotional stunt for the 30th anniversary of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial as well as the Disney-Pixar premiere for Brave that also served as the debut for the newly renamed Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center. Next: June 2013
Photo: Film Magic/Universal Studios Home Entertainment

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Elle Women in Hollywood Awards — Elle Women in Hollywood Awards
#13 Entertainment & Media Event
Elle Women in Hollywood Awards at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills draws a celeb-packed house, and is a don’t-miss for Hollywood A-listers. Elle took over hosting duties for the event in 2007 after Premiere magazine folded. Next: October 2012
Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

People’s Choice Awards — People’s Choice Awards
#14 Entertainment & Media Event
People’s Choice Awards winners, selected by a record-breaking 230 million fan votes online, were announced during a live broadcast at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on CBS. Kaley Cuoco hosted, and Faith Hill and Demi Lovato performed. Next: January 9, 2013
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Bafta/L.A. Britannia Awards — Bafta/L.A. Britannia Awards
#15 Entertainment & Media Event
Bafta/L.A. Britannia Awards draw big stars as presenters and honorees for its awards. The Beverly Hilton will host the upcoming bash. Next: November 7, 2012
Photo: Frazer Harrison/BAFTA Los Angeles

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

American Cinematheque Gala Tribute — American Cinematheque Gala Tribute
#16 Entertainment & Media Event
American Cinematheque Gala Tribute presents an award annually to what the group bills as “an artist currently making a significant contribution” to movies; this year the honor will be presented to Ben Stiller at the Beverly Hilton. Next: November 15, 2012
Photo: Eric Charbonneau

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Glaad Media Awards — Glaad Media Awards
#17 Entertainment & Media Event
Now in its 23rd year, the Glaad Media Awards doled out honors to the likes of Chaz Bono and Josh Hutcherson at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites. Next: April 2013
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Carousel of Hope Ball — Carousel of Hope Ball
#1 Benefit
The year the Carousel of Hope Ball will honor George Clooney at the Beverly Hilton. Founded by Barbara and the late Marvin Davis in 1977, this event, held every two years, has raised $75 million for the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes since its inception with help from corporate sponsors and entertainment industry partners. Next: October 20, 2012
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Race to Erase MS — Race to Erase MS
#2 Benefit
Co-chaired by Nancy Davis and Tommy Hilfiger, Race to Erase MS raises big money for the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis and its Center Without Walls program. The 2012 theme was glam rock, and the event took to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza and raised $1.8 million. Next: May 3, 2013
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Race to Erase MS

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

California Science Center’s Discovery Ball — California Science Center’s Discovery Ball
#3 Benefit
The California Science Center’s Discovery Ball celebrated its 14th go with a Cleopatra theme, offering a sneak peek of the exhibition surrounding the Egyptian pharaoh’s life. Christina Sion heads up the detail-minded event annually. Next: March 9, 2013
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Los Angeles Philharmonic Gala — Los Angeles Philharmonic Gala
#4 Benefit
Los Angeles Philharmonic Gala opens the fall season at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Last year, the black-tie celebration began with blue-carpet arrivals, a pre-concert reception, and prime seats for the concert, followed by dinner and dancing under the stars on Grand Avenue. Next: September 27, 2012

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Entertainment Industry Foundation’s An Unforgettable Evening — Entertainment Industry Foundation’s An Unforgettable Evening
#5 Benefit
The Entertainment Industry Foundation’s An Unforgettable Evening benefits the Women’s Cancer Research Fund, and is typically held in Beverly Hills in February. The 15th annual event took place on April 18, 2012 to accommodate the schedules of honorary chairs Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, and Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg. Next: February 2013
Photo: Donato Sardella

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Chrysalis Butterfly Ball — Chrysalis Butterfly Ball
#6 Benefit
A celebrity-studded, 11-year-old benefit for the homelessness support organization, the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball takes place at a luxe private estate. Seth MacFarlane hosted this year’s program. Next: June 2013
Photo: Vero Image

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Women in Film’s Crystal & Lucy Awards — Women in Film’s Crystal & Lucy Awards
#7 Benefit
Begun in 1977, the Women in Film’s Crystal & Lucy Awards acknowledge women in a male-dominated environment at a celebrity-heavy annual award show and fund-raiser. Christina Applegate and Viola Davis were among the 2012 honorees at the Beverly Hilton. Next: June 2013
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Concern Foundation’s Block Party — Concern Foundation’s Block Party
#8 Benefit (up from #9)
This year Concern Foundation’s Block Party took to the Studios at Paramount, honoring the 60th anniversary of the birth of rock ‘n’ roll and honoring Alan Freed. The event draws more than 3,500 and raises about $1.5 million. Next: July 2013
Photo: Barry E. Levine

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Los Angeles Opera Season-Opening Celebration — Los Angeles Opera Season-Opening Celebration
#9 Benefit
Los Angeles Opera season-opening celebration will have an alfresco setting on Music Center Plaza, with an accompanying performance of Two Foscari starring Plácido Domingo and conducted by James Conlon. Next: September 15, 2012
Photo: Steve Cohn Photography

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s Dinosaur Ball — Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s Dinosaur Ball
#10 Benefit
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s Dinosaur Ball is the museum’s black-tie biannual fund-raiser. In 2011, it was tied to the opening of the new, permanent Dinosaur Hall, which has the most species of dinosaurs on display anywhere in the country. The 2013 ball will mark the centennial of the museum. Next: June 8, 2013
Photo: Moloshok Photography Inc.

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Elizabeth Glaser’s Pediatric AIDS Foundation’s A Time for Heroes — Elizabeth Glaser’s Pediatric AIDS Foundation’s A Time for Heroes
#11 Benefit
Elizabeth Glaser’s Pediatric AIDS Foundation’s A Time for Heroes celebrity picnic event has raised more than $33 million since it began in 1990. It draws about 1,000 for arts and crafts, carnival games, music, and food. Next: June 2013
Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images for EGPAF

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Concours D'Elegance — Concours D'Elegance
#12 Benefit (new to the list)
Concours D'Elegance at Greystone Mansion, which the City of Beverly Hills hosts as a fund-raiser for the former Doheny family venue, is a high-end auto show in its third year and has fast become one of the region’s most anticipated—and exclusive, with tickets limited to 3,000—auto events. Next: May 5, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Concours D'Elegance

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

HollyRod Foundation’s DesignCare Beneﬁt — HollyRod Foundation’s DesignCare Beneﬁt
#13 Benefit
What started as a mixer for 50 people at Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete’s home has grown to include a reception, fashion show, entertainment, and silent and live auctions. This year at the HollyRod Foundation’s DesignCare Beneﬁt Natalie Cole performed, led by music director Rickey Minor. Next: July, 2013
Photo: Vivien Killilea/WireImage

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

U.S.C. Libraries Scripter Award Gala — U.S.C. Libraries Scripter Award Gala
#14 Benefit
A black-tie gala that honors writers for adapting books into ﬁlm, the U.S.C. Libraries Scripter Award gala doled out awards to author Kaui Hart Hemmings and screenwriters Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, and Jim Rash for their contributions to The Descendants. Next: February 2013
Photo: Steve Cohn/Steve Cohn Photography

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Fulfillment Fund’s Stars Benefit Gala — Fulfillment Fund’s Stars Benefit Gala
#15 Benefit
This year the Fulfillment Fund’s Stars Benefit Gala at the Beverly Hilton will honor Paramount Pictures’ vice chairman Rob Moore. The event includes cocktails, dinner, and entertainment. Next: October 24, 2012
Photo: Vince Bucci/Vince Bucci Photography

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Backstage at the Geffen — Backstage at the Geffen
#16 Benefit
Backstage at the Geffen recognizes leadership in the theater community while raising awareness of the Geffen Playhouse’s education and outreach programs. Most recently, it honored Jim Gianopulos and Carol Burnett. Next: May 2013
Photo: Jordan Strauss/Geffen Playhouse

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Art of Elysium’s Heaven Gala — Art of Elysium’s Heaven Gala
#17 Benefit
Art of Elysium’s Heaven gala is held annually on Golden Globes weekend and this year took over downtown’s historic Union Station. Next year designer Colleen Atwood will be presented with the Visionary honor. Next: January 12, 2013
Photo: Todd Orin/Getty Images

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Los Angeles Urban League Whitney M. Young. Jr. Awards Dinner — Los Angeles Urban League Whitney M. Young. Jr. Awards Dinner
#18 Benefit
The Los Angeles Urban League Whitney M. Young. Jr. awards dinner, which in 2011 marked the organization’s 90th anniversary, is the group’s signature event, attracting more than 1,400 attendees. Next: April 2013
Photo: Early Gibson III

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Keep a Child Alive’s Dream Halloween — Keep a Child Alive’s Dream Halloween
#19 Benefit
In March Keep a Child Alive acquired the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation’s fund-raising events, including Dream Halloween. The family-friendly affair with treats for kids, arts and crafts activities, and face painting also offers a sponsor reception, food from L.A. eateries, stage shows, and live and silent auctions at Barker Hangar. Next: October 27, 2012
Photo: Bruce Walker

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl — Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl
#20 Benefit (new to the list)
Kicking off the summer season, Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl begins with a cocktail reception and dinner served to guests in their boxes, and the concert includes performances by musicians who are inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame. The night culminates in a fireworks display. Next: June 2013

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Divine Design — Divine Design
#1 Fashion & Retail Event
Project Angel Food's holiday shopping benefit, Divine Design, is in its 21st year. The annual event raises funds for the meal-delivery organization that serves people with HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Next: December 1-3, 2012

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Rodeo Drive Walk of Style — Rodeo Drive Walk of Style
#2 Fashion & Retail Event
Cosponsored by the City of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee, the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style awards honors big fashion names on the shopping street. This year the event will honor famed fashion editor, Diana Vreeland. Next: September 10, 2012
Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Macy's Glamorama — Macy's Glamorama
#3 Fashion & Retail Event
Macy’s Glamorama includes live music, celebrity appearances, and an after-party. This year’s event will have a Beatles theme at the Orpheum Theatre followed by an after-party at the California Market Center. Next: September 7, 2012
Photo: Rebecca Sapp/WireImage

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Otis College of Art and Design Scholarship Benefit and Fashion Show — Otis College of Art and Design Scholarship Benefit and Fashion Show
#4 Fashion & Retail Event (new to the list)
Otis College of Art and Design celebrated its 30th annual scholarship benefit and fashion show in 2012, with 800 guests and more than 70 models in 175-plus fashion and costume looks from the Otis College fashion department. It bills itself as L.A.’s largest annual runway show. Next: May 4, 2013
Photo: Lee Salem Photography

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

F.I.D.M.’s L.A. Debut Runway Show & Gala — F.I.D.M.’s L.A. Debut Runway Show & Gala
#5 Fashion & Retail Event
F.I.D.M.’s L.A. Debut Runway Show and Gala, a Saturday-night scholarship fund-raising event, draws about 1,000 attendees, and several runs of the show the same weekend draw more than 10,000 in all. Next: March 2013
Photo: Brandon Clark/abimages

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Colleagues Benefit Luncheon — Colleagues Benefit Luncheon
#6 Fashion & Retail Event
This year Colleagues charity luncheon benefiting the Children's Institute Inc. drew 800 guests to the Beverly Wilshire, and honored Sherry Lansing. The annual fashion show came from Oscar de la Renta, and a live auction included a stay at his retreat at Tortuga Bay in the Dominican Republic. Next: April 2013
Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Los Angeles Fashion Week — Los Angeles Fashion Week
#7 Fashion & Retail Event
Los Angeles Fashion Week’s lack of cohesion has been widely publicized—particularly after the partnership between Smashbox and IMG dissolved in 2008—but a wide variety of events nevertheless try to rally around the title, like Style Fashion Week L.A., L.A. Fashion Weekend, and Concept Fashion Week. Next: October 15-19, 2012; March 2013

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Country Friends' Art of Fashion — Country Friends' Art of Fashion
#8 Fashion & Retail Event
The Country Friends' Art of Fashion runway show is held in partnership with South Coast Plaza at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. The 57th event includes wine tasting, a luncheon, and boutique shopping, with proceeds funding the more than two dozen charities the Country Friends supports. Next: September 20, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of Country Friends' Art of Fashion

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Launch — Launch
#9 Fashion & Retail Event (new to the list)
Launch, a new fashion trade show focusing on all things Southern California lifestyle, took to Santa Monica this summer—possibly a start at carving out a significant space for itself in a marketplace vacated by the former Class trade show. Next: July 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Launch

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

L.A. County Fair — L.A. County Fair
#1 Festival & Fair
L.A. County Fair offers live entertainment, rides, games, and vendors selling food and crafts. In 2011, attendance surpassed projections and hit 1,491,123, making it the second highest-attended fair in the event’s 89-year history. Next: August 31-September 30, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of L.A. County Fair

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Orange County Super Fair — Orange County Super Fair
#2 Festival & Fair (up from #3)
Last year the Orange County Super Fair shattered attendance records, drawing more than 1.4 million attendees (up 21 percent over 2010) to what has become one of North America’s largest fairs; it was the seventh largest in 2011, up from the ninth largest in 2010. Next: July-August 2013
Photo: Courtesy of O.C. Fair & Event Center

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Coachella — Coachella
#3 Festival & Fair
To meet the massive demand, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival’s producer Goldenvoice expanded the program to two weekends this year. The event takes over the Empire Polo Fields in Indio. Next: April 12-14 & 19-21, 2013
Photo: Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books — Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
#4 Festival & Fair
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books’s 17th annual event took over the University of Southern California. After a move last year from that university’s cross-town rival, U.C.L.A., the event packed in more than 100,000 attendees. Next: April 20-21, 2013
Photo: Jerod Harris

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Abbot Kinney Festival — Abbot Kinney Festival
#5 Festival & Fair
Abbot Kinney Festival draws a laid-back crowd of nearly 150,000. The volunteer-produced event dates back to 1984, offering live music, arts and crafts booths, and food offerings. Next: September 29, 2012
Photo: Colin Young-Wolff

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Sunset Strip Music Festival — Sunset Strip Music Festival
#6 Festival & Fair
Sunset Strip Music Festival draws more than 30,000 attendees to see 100 bands over three days in West Hollywood. Next: August 2013
Photo: Nate Christenson

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Los Angeles Food and Wine — Los Angeles Food and Wine
#1 Food, Wine & Hospitality Event (up from #10)
In 2012, Los Angeles Food and Wine festival, presented by Food & Wine magazine, returned for the second year to L.A. Live and other locations around town. After resigning from the Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation last year (and splitting with the foundation’s 30-year-old American Wine & Food Festival), Wolfgang Puck was a part of the buzzy festival along with organizer Coastal Luxury Management, AEG, and Dick Clark Productions. Last year’s inaugural event brought close to $5 million for the city’s economy, and $400,000 for charity beneficiary St. Vincent’s Meals on Wheels. New executive director Caryl Chinn led the event this year. Next: August 2013
Photo: Barnaby Draper

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

The Taste — The Taste
#2 Food, Wine & Hospitality Event
The Taste, which combined Taste of Beverly Hills presented by Food & Wine magazine and The Los Angeles Times’ Celebration of Food & Wine into one event, will scale back in its second year, shifting the focus entirely to Southern California food and beverage trends. (Food & Wine is no longer involved.) All events will be held at the Studios at Paramount, instead of around town. Next: September 1-3, 2012
Photo: Fitz Carlile

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation — Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation
#3 Food, Wine & Hospitality Event
Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation benefit to end childhood hunger moved this year from Culver City to the Lot in West Hollywood. Participating restaurants included Culina, Border Grill, and Picca. Next: June 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Share Our Strength

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival — San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
#4 Food, Wine & Hospitality Event
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival’s five-day fest, produced by World of Wine Events and Fast Forward Event Productions, is now in its ninth year and bills itself as Southern California’s largest wine and food festival. The 2011 event broke records, drawing more than 10,500 people. Next: November 14-18, 2012
Photo: Ken Loyst

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Taste for a Cure — Taste for a Cure
#5 Food, Wine & Hospitality Event
This year, U.C.L.A. Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center hosted its 17th annual Taste for a Cure food and wine tasting benefit at the Beverly Wilshire on April 20, honoring NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke. The event has raised more than $8 million since its inception. Next: Spring 2013
Photo: Vince Bucci

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo — Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo
#6 Food, Wine & Hospitality Event (up from #8)
Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo bills itself as the only comprehensive industry event devoted to the Western U.S. restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality market, and includes a broad slate of education and related events. It took to the Anaheim Convention Center this past summer. Next: August 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Culinary Evening With the California Winemasters — Culinary Evening With the California Winemasters
#7 Food, Wine & Hospitality Event (up from #9)
The benefit for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a far cry from the event's humble beginnings 23 years ago as a gathering of 125 guests; now it sells out its 1,400 tickets. The Culinary Evening With the California Winemasters has raised close to $25 million its history. Next: May 18, 2013
Photo: David Skernick

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Tournament of Roses — Tournament of Roses
#1 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event
Tournament of Roses has been a New Year’s Day tradition since 1980, and includes the flower-filled parade and the Rose Bowl football game. Next: January 1, 2013

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Fiesta Broadway — Fiesta Broadway
#2 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event
Fiesta Broadway, which celebrated 150 years of Cinco de Mayo in April 2012, draws more than 500,000 people for what is billed as the nation’s largest celebration of that holiday. Next: April 28, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Fiesta Broadway

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

L.A. Pride — L.A. Pride
#3 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event (up from #4)
Produced by Christopher Street West, L.A. Pride is now more than four decades running. It includes a parade—one of the largest LGBT parades in the world—a festival, and other related events. This year’s festival took place with a new format during the construction of West Hollywood Park, and the whole 42nd annual event got new messaging under the tagline "…and proud of it." Next: June 7-9, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of L.A. Pride

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval — West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval
#4 Parades, Walks & Holiday Events
West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval draws about half a million people to its lively street party, which began in 1987. Next: October 31, 2012
Photo: Joshua Barash

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Golden Dragon Parade — Golden Dragon Parade
#5 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event
Presented by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles, the Golden Dragon Parade draws more than 110,000 people. The 2012 event was the 113th annual. Next: February 16, 2013

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade and Festival — Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade and Festival
#6 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event
Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade and Festival began in 1904 and drew about 50,000 people. It now attracts about 300,000 attendees, and got a new logo and theme for 2012. Next: July 4, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade and Festival

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Entertainment Industry Foundation Revlon Run/Walk for Women — Entertainment Industry Foundation Revlon Run/Walk for Women
#7 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event
Entertainment Industry Foundation Revlon Run/Walk for Women draws about 40,000 runners and walkers who cross the finish line inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to raise money for the fight against women’s cancers. Next: May 11, 2013
Photo: Chris Weeks/WireImage

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

AIDS Walk Los Angeles — AIDS Walk Los Angeles
#8 Parade, Walk & Holiday Event
AIDS Walk Los Angeles has drawn 600,000 participants since 1985 and raised about $72 million. Next: October 14, 2012
Photo: Byron Thiery

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

City of Los Angeles Marathon — City of Los Angeles Marathon
#1 Sports Event
City of Los Angeles Marathon, also known as the Honda L.A. Marathon, recently underwent a significant revamp that changed the course to a new, tourist-friendly route that begins at Dodger Stadium and continues west through the city to Santa Monica and Ocean Boulevard. Next: March 17, 2013
Photo: Jim Safford/L.A. Marathon 2012

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

BNP Paribas Open — BNP Paribas Open
#2 Sports Event
Formerly known as the Paciﬁc Life Open, the BNP Paribas Open takes place in Indian Wells near Palm Springs. The huge tennis event draws about 330,000 people. Next: March 4-17, 2013

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach — Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
#3 Sports Event
The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach draws more than 175,000 spectators over three days, making it one of the largest paid spectator events in Southern California. Next: April 19-21, 2013
Photo: Randy Leffingwell

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl — Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl
#4 Sports Event
The Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl last year saw Texas top California in front of about 60,000 fans at Qualcomm Stadium. Next: December 27, 2012
Photo: Ken Jacques Photography

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular — Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular
#5 Sports Event
The Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular brings out big names in sports and entertainment to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza to benefit the Medical Genetics Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. This year’s event pulled in $1.3 million. Next: May 19, 2013
Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images for Sports Spectacular

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Humana Challenge — Humana Challenge
#6 Sports Event
Humana Challenge is a new name for the P.G.A. Tour tournament in La Quinta formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic. The revamped event included several format changes beginning in 2012. Next: January 14-20, 2013

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

ESPN's ESPY Awards — ESPN's ESPY Awards
#7 Sports Event (new to the list)
ESPN’s ESPY awards will celebrated its 20th year in 2012 and integrated the milestone into the format of the annual program. Former Daily Show correspondent Rob Riggle hosted the sports awards at the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live. Next: July 2013
Photo: Line 8 Photography. All rights reserved.

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

TED Conference — TED Conference
#1 Trade Show & Convention
The TED Conference at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center (simulcast in Palm Springs), sells out a year in advance and draws more than 1,000 people (who qualify for attendance with memberships starting in the thousands of dollars). The big thinkers come for content that—in addition to the conference's namesake categories technology, entertainment, and design—now covers the categories of science, business, the arts, and global issues. Over four days, 50 speakers each take an 18-minute slot, and shorter presentations also include musical and comedy performances. Next: February 25-March 1, 2013
Photo: Robert Leslie

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Los Angeles Auto Show — Los Angeles Auto Show
#2 Trade Show & Convention
The Los Angeles Auto Show is a century-plus-old fixture at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Next: November 30-December 9, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of the Los Angeles Auto Show

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Comic-Con International — Comic-Con International
#3 Trade Show & Convention
Comic-Con International fills the San Diego Convention Center and surrounding venues with fans, and a significant Hollywood presence that seems to grow by the year. Next: July 18-21, 2013
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury for BizBash

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

E3
#4 Trade Show & Convention
The Electronic Entertainment Expo, popularly known as E3, draws nearly 50,000 video game industry professionals, investor analysts, and retailers to the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Electronic Entertainment Association hosts the show. Next: June 11-13, 2013
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

D: All Things Digital Conference — D: All Things Digital Conference
#5 Trade Show & Convention
The Wall Street Journal's 2012 D: All Things Digital Conference marked its 10th run, and this year’s conference was popularly known as D10. The event brings high-level discussions with boldfaced names in media and technology to the Terranea in Rancho Palos Verdes. Next: May 2013
Photo: Asa Mathat

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

NAMM Show — NAMM Show
#6 Trade Show & Convention
More than a century old and drawing people from more than 100 countries, the NAMM Show is considered the biggest and most important music products show in the world. Next: January 24-27, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the NAMM Show

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

American Film Market — American Film Market
#7 Trade Show & Convention
American Film Market pulls more than 8,000 industry leaders from more than 70 countries for eight days of deal-making, screenings, seminars, networking and parties in Santa Monica; about $800 million in deals is sealed during the program, produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance. Next: October 31-November 7, 2012

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Los Angeles Boat Show — Los Angeles Boat Show
#8 Trade Show & Convention
Produced by the Southern California Marine Association at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the Los Angeles Boat Show is among the longest-running boat shows in the country, now in its 55th consecutive year. The 2012 show saw a 10 percent bump in attendance. Next: February 7-10, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the Los Angeles Boat Show

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show — Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show
#9 Trade Show & Convention (new to the list)
This year, the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show drew a record 25,800 guests to the Long Beach Convention Center. Previously show producer Unicomm co-produced The Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show, and the shows now compete. Next: January 12-13, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

California Gift Show — California Gift Show
#10 Trade Show & Convention
The California Gift Show takes over the L.A. Mart and L.A. Convention Center in the winter and summer, and it’s the biggest show of its kind on the West Coast, with more than 200,000 square feet and 10,000 product lines. Urban Expositions just acquired the show from Merchandise Mart Properties, and the management transition will take place following the July edition of the semi-annual event. Next: January 25-28, 2013; July 19-22, 2013
Photo: Jim Harris

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Los Angeles Times Travel Show — Los Angeles Times Travel Show
#11 Trade Show & Convention
The Los Angeles Times Travel Show’s 14th annual go convened more than 24,300 speakers, travel professionals, industry leaders, media folks, and consumers at the L.A. Convention Center, breaking the previous attendance record by more than 21 percent. Next: February 22-24, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the Los Angeles Times Media Group

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles Gala — Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles Gala
#1 Art & Design Event
The buzzy benefit draws attention for its experiential events tied to exhibits and artists. The 2011 Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles’ gala under the artistic direction of Marina Abramović drew 750 patrons who donned white lab coats and ate their dinner as apparently disembodied heads, positioned as table centerpieces, stared at them. Next: November 17, 2012
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s “Art+Film” Gala — Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s “Art+Film” Gala
#2 Art & Design Event (new to the list)
Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s "Art+Film" gala in November was the debut of the buzzy new annual event. This year, the event will honor artist Ed Ruscha and Stanley Kubrick with Steven Spielberg paying tribute to the late filmmaker. Leonardo DiCaprio co-chairs and Gucci is the presenting sponsor. Next: October 27, 2012
Photo: Stefanie Keenan

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Hammer Museum’s Gala in the Garden — Hammer Museum’s Gala in the Garden
#3 Art & Design Event
Hammer Museum’s Gala in the Garden moves back to October this year (after a September shift in 2011), and will this year honor artists Barbara Kruger and Cindy Sherman. Next: October 6, 2012
Photo: Stefanie Keenan

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

L.A. Art Shows — L.A. Art Shows
#4 Art & Design Event
The Los Angeles Art Show this year split into two shows, known as "The L.A. Art Show: Modern & Contemporary" and the "Los Angeles Fine Art Show: Historic & Traditional." One ticket offered 40,000 people admission to both shows, which took to the L.A. Convention Center’s West Hall over five days. Next: January 23-27, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the Los Angeles Art Show

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Orange County Museum of Art’s Art of Dining Benefit — Orange County Museum of Art’s Art of Dining Benefit
#5 Art & Design Event
One of the county’s most prominent social events, Orange County Museum of Art’s Art of Dining Benefit celebrated the museum’s Cartier-sponsored 50th anniversary on June 2 at the Montage Laguna Beach. Next: Spring 2013
Photo: Colin Young-Wolff

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Los Angeles County Museum of Art Collectors Committee — Los Angeles County Museum of Art Collectors Committee
#6 Art & Design Event
Los Angeles County Museum of Art Collectors Committee is a weekendlong program that ends with a gala dinner at the museum each spring. It raised $2.8 million this year. Next: April 2013
Photo: Stefanie Keenan

Top 100

Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Westweek — Westweek
#7 Art & Design Event
Now an institution with a history of more than 25 years, Westweek at the Pacific Design Center is the center’s largest annual design industry event. Next: March 20-21, 2013

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

San Diego Museum of Art’s Art Alive — San Diego Museum of Art’s Art Alive
#8 Art & Design Event
The institution’s signature fund-raiser that draws 12,000, San Diego Museum of Art’s Art Alive is one of the longest-running and most widely attended events of its kind in the U.S. More than 100 floral designers create the exhibition of arrangements. Next: April 25-28, 2013
Photo: Bauman Photographers

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Photo L.A. and Art L.A. Projects — Photo L.A. and Art L.A. Projects
#9 Art & Design Event
In January, Photo L.A. joined with Art L.A. Projects, drawing more than 10,000 attendees to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Photo L.A. bills itself as the longest-running art fair west of New York. An opening reception benefited the Wallis Annenberg Department of Photography at Lacma. Next: January 17-21, 2013

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Los Angeles Antiques Art & Design Show — Los Angeles Antiques Art & Design Show
#10 Art & Design Event
This year the Los Angeles Antiques Art & Design Show moves from the spring to new fall dates, having expanded and rebranded. The expo brings more than 60 dealers from the U.S. and Europe to Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, and kicks off with a gala preview party the night before the show benefiting Lacma’s Decorative Art and Design Council this year. Also this year, the show adds the components of art and design (previously it was just antiques). Next: October 10-14, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of Bullard of L.A.

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Laguna Beach Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters — Laguna Beach Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters
#11 Art & Design Event
Laguna Beach Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters—in which real people pose to look like the subjects in classical and contemporary artworks—takes place in the summer. Next: July and August 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Venice Art Walk & Auctions — Venice Art Walk & Auctions
#12 Art & Design Event
Benefiting the Venice Family Clinic, Venice Art Walk & Auctions bills itself as the largest event of its kind in Southern California, attracting about 3,000 annually. In 2012 it partnered with Google and put on offer an array of new shows, tours, exhibits, and art. Next: Spring 2013
Photo: John Salangsang

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Art Los Angeles Contemporary — Art Los Angeles Contemporary
#13 Art & Design Event
Directed by Tim Fleming, Art Los Angeles Contemporary presents 70 top galleries from around the world, as well as hosts programming like artist talks, curator discussions, film screenings, and performances at the Barker Hangar. Next: January 24-27, 2013
Photo: Scott Mayoral Photography

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Mission Federal ArtWalk San Diego — Mission Federal ArtWalk San Diego
#14 Art & Design Event (new to the list)
The largest event of its kind in the region, the Mission Federal ArtWalk San Diego takes over 18 blocks of downtown San Diego in the historic Little Italy district. Next: April 27-28, 2013
Photo: Paul Nestor

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Southern California's Top 100 Events 2012

Dwell on Design — Dwell on Design
#15 Art & Design Event (new to the list)
Dwell on Design brings a massive exhibition floor at the L.A. Convention Center, on-stage programming, two weekends of home tours, plus an array of activities and lectures for about 20,000 in the design world. Next: June 21-23, 2013
Photo: Peter Williams

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